Visiting base when not on duty.

Is it allowed? Is it discouraged? Odd question maybe but a retired AF coworker told me he wasn't allowed to visit the base for BX etc. when off duty or on non UTA weekends.

I want to get another pair of boots and go to the case lot sale at the commissary... for example

 

If your retired, active, or an authorized civilian there is no reason you CANT go to a base to shop or use its services. I am a Navy vet and I routinly go to USAF, AS Army, and National Gaurd/Air National gaurd bases all the time.

There is more to the story your not being told by said friend....

 

That's what i figured. Thank you

 

yea you have no problems going on base whenever you want...as long as you are a valid military id holder

 

Some military installations are even open to anyone with a driver's license, current registration, and insurance.

 

Yeah....Your friend has some special status or other situation that prevents him form using the base all the time.
I regularly hang out on base...We BBQ, go to the pool, use the gym, etc and see all manner of folks (AD, RES, RETIRED, Dependants, etc) doing the same.

 

Ask him what did he do to get banned from base.

 

It's been awhile since I've been on a military base/installation but normally there is no problem unless you got a green-horn at the gate or something...I could be wrong here but when you retire, aren't you given a Retired ID to use for the purpose of using the commissary, BX/PX, Class 6, and etc? A co-worker is retired enlisted and has one, and the last Commissioned ID I saw had the expiration date of INDEF on it.

 

The only limitations I'm aware of are to contractors (anybody employed by another company and under contract with the DoD). But those guys can still get on base whenever they want because they have the appropriate ID. They can't, however, shop at the BX/Commisary. How long have you been in now?

 

LOL...several years back, I drove onto Camp Pendleton unescorted (after approval to pass at the guard gate). Let's just say I look nothing like a Marine - even with my hair pulled back

I got some funny (and downright scary) stares from Marines on base.

All I had to do was say where I was going. I doubt this is allowed now.

 

You going on base off duty is different then your wife going on to use the Commisary or Exchange. Your friend is mistaken or he is thinking about the OLD OLD OLD policy for drilling reservist. Long ago they used to track how many times a reservist would go to the BX/PX and things like that.

 

I lived on my last base Only coast guard ran base in existence ANG and Army also on there. I pretty much did most everything on base.

 

I know of retired people still going on bases and using the facilities so i am assuming its all good

 

Yeah take advantage of being able to be on base. If I remember correctly officers after they leave the serve (retired or not) can access base facilities. As long as I'm not off base here (no pun intended) go do your hard stuff at the auto hobby shop!!! I practically live there lol. They love my old 82 bucket I'm trying to transform. At least I know that they will buy it off me if I can't finish it lol. The ones at major installations have a full array of lifts, pipe benders, lathes, presses, spring compressors, air tools, welders, paint booth.....you name it.....they GOT it! I've seen some guys rip down street rods down to the frame and rebuild from scratch!.....